USVI-On-Line

When DH and I were urban newlyweds we used to joke that we had a prenup: I'd never have to drive a minivan and he'd never have to go to Disney World. Well, I'm still not driving a minivan, but...

We took our kids to DW when they were 6 and 8. I agree with those who recommend the Unofficial Guide; it helps. Make sure you know how the speed pass works and divide and conquer with your hubby to work the lines (one goes to get a Speed Pass for a popular ride; the other gets in line with the kids at another ride.)

We went the day after Christmas so it was very crowded. It helped to get there early, before the park opened, then quickly head to the far end of the park and nab a speed pass on the way. By 1:00 or 2:00 we'd be beat and go back to play in the pool.

We went to Animal Kingdom twice; we liked the safari and anything where we could see real animals. Magic Kingdom once, Epcot once, never made it to MGM. Had a great dinner at Boma in Animal Kingdom.

You'll go through a bag check every time you enter the park. I had a backpack with lots of zippers... and they opened every last one of them. If I were to do it again, I'd bring a simpler bag!

Tickets are very expensive; so is the food. I brought apples and granola bars to offset all that crappy park food. A 'park hopper' pass was our best value for tickets.

We had a good time, but I'm sure you're aware that some of the tourists you'll see at Disney World are not like the people who visit St. John. I couldn't believe how many times I saw people yelling at their kids or telling them to "shut up." Nice family vacation, huh? My kids were old enough to notice; hopefully your 4 y.o. will be blissfully unaware of it.

This is one of those trips that's all about the kids, and worth it when you see how excited they are about something. Glad we did it; gladder still that we all love the islands best!

(Sorry for my verbosity...)

Thanks again for everyone who has piped in. I did schedule a tea for my daughter and I at the grand floridian. Does anyone know the situation with parking there? Should it be an issue as I have a reservation for tea?

Hi flip flop, you will be allowed to park at the hotel since you are going to the tea. The tea is really nice. I have to warn you though, we got the grand tea and it is HUGE! HUGE. There are multiple courses---sandwiches to start, then hot biscuits with clotted cream and preserves, then something sweet (I forget what--cookies maybe), and then trifle!

Edited to add that you get a glass of champagne with a strawberry in it as well as tea. How could I forget THAT?

Newbie here!! Since everyone here has really helped me planning my 1st St. John trip in June, I thought I would chime in to this post since I am a Disney fanatic (I mean seriously...I went 3 times last year)!!

Planning a Disny trip even for someone who has gone a few times can be completely overwhelming. There is so much to do and so much to know and you will NEVER get it all done. Instead of typing a huge post with all my tips (and I have a bunch), I thought I would refer you to an AWESOME website that will have everything you need to know (and some things you might not want to know) about Disney. I mean, this website even has pictures of the seats on most of the rides (are you serious???)! It is a great website. Even though I have been to Disney 7 times in the last 3 years (we have season passes b/c we don't live too far away), I STILL learn something everytime I go on this website.

Check it out: http://www.allearsnet.com/

Hope this helps! Let me know what you think. I know you guys will have a great time inspite of not really being huge Disney fans!

P.S. The Grand Floridian is AMAZING!!

Maria

I had another idea I thought I would share. My dad and Honey at Epcot love to have a beer tasting experience from each different country in the World Showcase. You and your honey might enjoy sampling a few different beers from around the world as well...